Boston Nature Center & Wildlife Sanctuary
- Mattapan
- 67 Acres
Plan Your Visit
A community nature center and wildlife sanctuary with trails that traverse meadows, woods, and wetlands; home to over 150 species of birds, 40 species of butterflies, and more than 350 species of plants.
Hours
Nature Center
- Monday–Friday
- 9:00 am–5:00 pm
- Saturday, Sunday, & Most Holidays
- 10:00 am-4:00 pm
Trails
- Daily
- dawn to dusk
- 2 miles
- 1 mile
Admissions
- All Ages free
Contact
500 Walk Hill Street
Mattapan, MA 02126
Connect with Boston Nature Center
Property Regulations
- Foot travel only; please stay on trails (day passes are available for powered mobility devices)
- Dog walking and horseback riding are prohibited; please leave all animals and pets at home (service animals welcome)
- Camping, collecting, smoking, hunting, fishing, releasing of animals, and feeding wildlife is prohibited.
- Commercial photography needs prior approval; please see all photography guidelines.
Facilities
- Parking
- Nature Center/Museum, Universally Accessible
- Restrooms, Universally Accessible
- Trail, Universally Accessible
- Picnic Tables
- Electric Vehicle Charging Station
Latest News
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See moreIntroduction to Bird Photography
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Boston Nature Center and Wildlife Sanctuary, Mattapan
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Sunday, April 21
9:00am-12:00pm
Adults
Spring Bird Walk at Millenium Park
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Millennium Park, Boston
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Saturday, April 27
8:00-10:00am
Adults
Signs of Spring
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Boston Nature Center and Wildlife Sanctuary, Mattapan
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Sunday, April 28
1:00-2:30pm
Families - children 5 - 12 years
Sanctuary History
This land was once occupied by the Boston State Hospital. But how did it get here, and what was here before that?
Conservation Projects
BNC is involved with a variety of projects that relate to fighting climate change, providing healthy food, and creating equitable access to nature.
Stay Connected with Boston Nature Center
Don’t miss a beat on all the ways you can get outdoors, celebrate nature, and get involved.